The Government of Canada and Port Metro Vancouver announce the completion of the Roberts Bank Causeway Overpass

Improving the movement of Canadian imports and exports

DELTA, BC, Oct. 24, 2014 /CNW/ - The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Delta—Richmond East, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport,  today celebrated the completion of the new Roberts Bank Causeway Overpass, along with Cliff Stewart, Vice President of Infrastructure Delivery  of Port Metro Vancouver (PMV). This major infrastructure project will improve container handling capacity, as well as increase rail capacity and enhance the safety and fluidity of traffic to and from the Deltaport Container Terminal in Delta, British Columbia.

The project involved the construction of a two-lane overpass that will provide grade separation between rail tracks and the Roberts Bank Causeway access road adjacent to the Deltaport Container Terminal. This separation of road and rail traffic will improve safety for transportation operators involved in the movement of goods for international trade. It will also significantly improve the fluidity of inbound and outbound containers and contribute to additional capacity at the terminal.

The overpass project is an essential element of the Deltaport Terminal, Road and Rail Improvement Project (DTRRIP), which is a near-term plan developed by the port to reduce delays and inefficiencies in rail and truck operations and to increase cargo-handling capacity at Deltaport.

This project plays an essential role in Canada's Asia-Pacific trade by improving the efficiency of the Roberts Bank Rail Corridor (RBRC), which serves the Deltaport Container Terminal, the largest container terminal in Canada.

Quick Facts

• The total cost of this project was $44.7 million, with a federal government contribution of a maximum of $19.9 million under the Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Transportation Infrastructure Fund (APGCTIF). Port Metro Vancouver contributed $24.8 million.
• Construction of the project began in early 2013 and was completed on time and within budget.
• The Deltaport Container Terminal is the largest container terminal in Canada, handling approximately 50 percent of the containerized cargo that moves through Canada's West Coast.
• The project will contribute to an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) of additional capacity annually at Deltaport.
• The Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative (APGCI) aims to make Canada's Asia-Pacific Gateway the best transportation network for moving goods between North America and Asia.

Quotes
"Modern and efficient infrastructure are essential to the successful flow of two-way trade and to keeping our economy on the right track. Our Government is taking concrete action to enhance safety, and to improve the fluid movement of goods through the Asia-Pacific Gateway."
The Honourable Kerry-Lynne Findlay
Minister of National Revenue

"The Deltaport Terminal, Road and Rail Improvement Project at Roberts Bank is increasing the efficiency of the Deltaport terminal so that it can better handle growing demand for container trade to and from Asia. This portion of the project is eliminating delays and congestion for truckers and increasing rail capacity by providing a roadway over rail lines on the Roberts Bank causeway. Overall, the project is a prime example of how Port Metro Vancouver is working to facilitate Canada's trade objectives, while balancing the need to respect the environment and quality of life of our neighbours."

Robin Silvester
President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver

Associated Links

• Archived news release - Harper government partners with Port Metro Vancouver to improve movement of exports through the Asia-Pacific Gateway to fast-growing Asian markets (January 24, 2013)
• News release Canada's gateway to Asia-Pacific stronger with completion of Roberts Bank projects (September 4, 2014)
• Deltaport Terminal, Road and Rail Improvement Project (DTRRIP)
• Asia-Pacific Gateway and Corridor Initiative

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SOURCE: Transport Canada

Jana Régimbal, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, Ottawa, 613-991-0700; Media Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, 613-993-0055; John Parker-Jervis, Media & Government Affairs Advisor, Port Metro Vancouver, 604-665-9267